Magnetic heating and cooling systems

Abstract

A magnetic heating and cooling system is disclosed. A magnetic fluid is pumped through at least a portion of the heating and cooling system. The fluid moves through the field of a superconducting or other type of magnet. When the fluid enters the magnetic field, it is heated as a result of the magnetization. Heat from the magnetic fluid is then transferred to a regenerator chamber. When the fluid leaves the magnetic field it is chilled. Heat from a regenerator chamber is then transferred to the fluid. External loads or sinks are heated or cooled.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 
     
       1. A method for pumping heat for heating or refrigeration, comprising the steps of: exposing a system comprising a magnetic fluid to a magnetic field;   causing the magnetic fluid to absorb heat of magnetization;   transferring heat from the system to a heat sink;   causing the magnetic fluid to exit the magnetic field, undergoing the cooling effect therefrom; and   transferring heat to the system from a heat source.   
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the magnet is a refrigerated electromagnet. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnet is a superconducting magnet. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein the magnet is a switchable on/off electromagnet. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the magnet is a non-refrigerated electromagnet.